[OVERVIEW]
Milotic is a niche defensive pivot, with its considerable bulk and recovery allowing it to consistently check foes like Salamence, Moltres, and Zygarde-10%. Its naturally decent Speed is helpful against slower wallbreakers such as Aegislash and Azumarill. Marvel Scale makes Milotic harder to break past after a burn from Entei or Primarina, somewhat making up for its subpar physical bulk, and consistent recovery sets it apart from its main competition in Rotom-W and RestTalk Primarina. However, Rotom-W and Primarina often still overshadow Milotic with utility that comes with their secondary typings. Rotom-W is a faster pivot, has a Ground immunity, and possesses diverse utility moves, while Primarina has a great offensive and defensive STAB move combination that stops Pokemon such as Keldeo from exploiting it. Other Water-types like Seismitoad and Tentacruel lack Milotic's reliable recovery but are able to provide more utility with Stealth Rock or entry hazard removal. Common Electric-types like Rotom-W and Regieleki constantly force out Milotic, and Pokemon like Amoonguss and Zarude can do the same while also not being bothered by status. Milotic is also extremely vulnerable to Toxic, which makes it difficult to answer foes like Aegislash, Moltres, and Salamence in the long term.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Scald
move 2: Recover
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Haze / Flip Turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Marvel Scale
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 248 Def / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Milotic avoids being too passive by spreading Scald burns and Toxic poison, wearing down Pokemon like Celesteela and Kommo-o. Haze prevents Pokemon like Substitute + Calm Mind Primarina and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro from easily setting up on Milotic. It can also outspeed and neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill with the given Speed EVs. Flip Turn lets Milotic generate momentum against Pokemon like Amoonguss and Tangrowth, and Heavy-Duty Boots lets it do so without succumbing to entry hazards. Recover allows Milotic to check foes like Chadelure and Salamence more consistently. Ice Beam is an alternative option over Haze or Flip Turn to pressure Zarude and check Salamence more easily. Marvel Scale can help Milotic stomach more physical hits, but it should still avoid absorbing status, especially Toxic.
Milotic functions best with additional defensive support on bulky offense teams. Grass-types like Amoonguss and Assault Vest Tangrowth assist Milotic against Pokemon it normally struggles against, like Raikou and Primarina. In return, Milotic can switch into Fire-type wallbreakers like Moltres and Entei as well as shutting down bulky setup sweepers like Galarian Slowbro and Reuniclus. Zarude and Rotom-H form a pivot core with Milotic. Zarude absorbs status and Knock Off comfortably, while Rotom-H can take advantage of Grass-types Milotic lures in and pivots against. Togekiss can provide cleric support and also beat Zarude and other Grass-types. Chandelure and Buzzwole appreciate Milotic luring in passive Pokemon they can muscle past, such as Amoonguss and Chansey. Rhyperior beats Electric-types like Regieleki, which threaten Milotic. In return, Milotic beats Pokemon such as Lycanroc-D and Krookodile comfortably.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Milotic can run Competitive to threaten Defoggers like Salamence and Moltres, but Marvel Scale comes into play more often.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Amoonguss and Zarude severely hinder Milotic. Amoonguss cannot be touched by Toxic and often chips Flip Turn Milotic with Rocky Helmet, while Zarude can remove status with Jungle Healing. Tangrowth is annoyed by Toxic, but Regenerator nullifies any progress Milotic could make on it—bar pivoting into a wallbreaker.
**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T and Rotom formes can easily pressure Milotic. The former can set up on Milotic with Nasty Plot, while the latter gain momentum with Volt Switch. Raikou can also wear Milotic down quickly and reduce PP with Pressure.
**Physical Wallbreakers**: Conkeldurr and Obstagoon are not hindered by status and can proceed to break past Milotic with ease. Other strong Pokemon like Life Orb Mienshao and Buzzwole can pressure it and keep themselves healthy with tools like Regenerator and Roost.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[avarice, 346653]]
- Quality checked by: [[Twilight, 344575], [Monky25, 515132], [Hilomilo, 313384]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990], [Finland, 517429]]
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